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Abstract

This study experimentally investigates the impregnation and leakage performance of various organic (tobacco, sawdust, bay leaf, black cumin) and inorganic (vermiculite, perlite, bentonite, sepiolite) carrier materials used for phase change material (PCM) integration in building applications. The commercial paraffin-based PCM RT-31 was used as the thermal storage medium. Impregnation and leakage tests were conducted to evaluate the PCM absorption capacity, form stability, and energy storage potential of each carrier. The results revealed that perlite (C = 80%) and bay leaf (C = 78%) exhibited the highest impregnation capacities due to their porous and fibrous structures; however, they also demonstrated significant leakage tendencies (≈ 19–20%). Conversely, bentonite and black cumin composites showed excellent form stability, with leakage ratios as low as 3.6% and 4.2%, respectively. These findings indicate that while highly porous materials offer superior energy storage potential, layered structures provide improved PCM retention and leakage resistance. Additionally, life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis using the ReCiPe 2016 method identified wood-based PCM composites as the most environmentally sustainable option. The study contributes to the development of eco-friendly, thermally efficient building materials by optimizing the balance between storage capacity and form stability in PCM composites.

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